I'll start the thread off by saying that my KLR only clocked 30 miles on the odometer, but I got a full day's worth of excitement into those few miles. I will wait for pics from others to fill in details. The conditions were just right for a challenging DS ride if you like cool weather, mud, dirt, big gravel, deep sand, and, in at least one case, swimming.

By the grace of God, good friends, and ATGATT, I am able to sit here typing.

Danny, AKA Nemo

The Bruce

01-27-2008, 11:10 AM

:coffee:

dbdolan

01-27-2008, 11:50 AM

Danny I am glad to hear you made it back in one piece, it sounds like it wasn't just a ride but an adventure.:coffee: So how did Kaw run in those 30 miles? Do you think you finally got rid of the KLR gremlins?

DANNYROTH

01-27-2008, 12:04 PM

I experienced the same problem again, coincidentally, almost in the same spot that it popped up the last time that Duke and I rode on our recon run.

I think we found the problem this time. Kirk (pazzoduc) noticed, when I had the CDI leads unplugged, that, although the little lock tab on the side would latch, one of the connectors, which has 5 conductors, lacked about 3/16" of seating all the way in. This cannot be seen unless you take both halves of the connector out of the little bracket next to the CDI box. I cleaned up the contacts as best I could, pushed the plugs together all the way in, and put a zip tie around it, pulling it together securely.

It ran very well after that, so well that it kept on running after it tossed me off into a creek at the next bridge.

Quick-Silver

01-27-2008, 01:34 PM

Glad you are OK. Hope no one else got hurt on this ride.

DANNYROTH

01-27-2008, 02:33 PM

I plan on being at Moscow when the group gets back. I want to shake a few hands again and hear how the rest of the ride went.

Trailace

01-27-2008, 06:15 PM

Well I made it home.
I left a little early about 50 miles of dirt to go. But we did this section on day one and I wanted to get home to see my daughter.

Man did I have a great time! Duke and everyone who help set up this ride you get a BIG Thanks!

We had lot's of this.
http://trailace.smugmug.com/photos/247981962-M.jpg

All my Pic's (http://trailace.smugmug.com/gallery/4238377)

TerraXpeditions

01-27-2008, 07:29 PM

I got a couple vids, but here are the interesting pics.... fess up guys.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n188/glowingeenklr650/Motorcycle/Trips/TWTex%20East%20Tex%20dualsport%20ride/IMG_0039.jpg
To be fair, this fella was new to dirt riding.... he did very well for... the most part....:rider:

But other than the parking lot, my bike stayed on two wheels the whole weekend! :dude:

TexasShadow

01-27-2008, 08:26 PM

But other than the parking lot, my bike stayed on two wheels the whole weekend! :dude: Was it a curb?

:duck:

:mrgreen:

TexasShadow

01-27-2008, 08:28 PM

It ran very well after that, so well that it kept on running after it tossed me off into a creek at the next bridge.Story!

Duke

01-27-2008, 08:29 PM

I too made it home in one piece, well I am, not the bike, its a good thing that mud is soft.

What a great turn out. The weather was a little on the cool side, but at least it was not raining,

Thank you all for coming out and playing in East Texas. I hope that you had as much fun as I did!

Duke

01-27-2008, 08:33 PM

Story!

Let it be known, that Danny has raised the bar pretty high for all of us, when it comes to re-telling a "get off" story.

This will take some to time to put together for all to fully appreciate just what he did.

The supporting cast in his little episode involves, a bridge, 15 foot of vertical space, 3 feet of water, and a very muddy creek bank.

Squeaky

01-27-2008, 08:41 PM

The supporting cast in his little episode involves, a bridge, 15 foot of vertical space, 3 feet of water, and a very muddy creek bank.

Don't forget the underwear on the truck mirror! :lol2:
Was it a curb?

Nothing that dramatic. We were lining up for a pic before getting started, my bike wasn't even on, I had one foot down and one on the peg, and I lost my balance. The bike hit the ground, but at least I didn't! (and how many of the the guys can say THAT about this weekend?!?!?)

dbdolan

01-27-2008, 08:49 PM

:popcorn:

Duke

01-27-2008, 08:49 PM

The bike hit the ground, but at least I didn't! (and how many of the the guys can say THAT about this weekend?!?!?)

LOL... But some of us actually found 2nd gear.:rofl:

I am kidding of course. You rode that XR very well this weekend. :clap:

Hemibee

01-27-2008, 08:51 PM

Don't forget the underwear on the truck mirror! :lol2:

Now that could be one interesting story... might not be the one told here butt it could be made very interesting..... :eek2:

Squeaky

01-27-2008, 08:54 PM

LOL... But some of us actually found 2nd gear.:rofl:

I am kidding of course. You rode that XR very well this weekend. :clap:

I have a new appreciation for my baby - I found myself leading a group of 8, standing on the pegs, running through in 5th gear wishing I had a 6th! :rider:

(until we got to a bad mud bog of course)

sparkyphotog

01-27-2008, 08:58 PM

:popcorn:

thumper

01-27-2008, 09:08 PM

Great ride! A little cool but the thawing process is settling in and so I think all of us will sleep very well tonite!:sun:

Squeaky

01-27-2008, 09:14 PM

...I think all of us will sleep very well tonite!:sun:

Right after I'm done begging for a massage

DFW_Warrior

01-27-2008, 09:42 PM

Well, Ken and I made it back to my place. We loaded him up and he's now off riding to his house in N. Fort Worth.

Many thanks to Duke and Co. that planned out this ride, it was awesome!!!!

Also a huge thanks to Squeak, and Yogi for leading the tail gunner group. Squeaker, you've got to give yourself credit. You're riding very, very well for someone with that little experience on the dirt. I know there are a bunch of people that are quite impressed with how well you did, I'm one of them. You go girl!!!!

Thanks again everyone... now it's time for a shower, and some bed time.

Hoop

01-27-2008, 09:44 PM

Thanks to all who set this ride up. I know it took a lot of time researching the roads to put the route together. I had a good ride, got to know some new folks. I think there is potential to catch some more dirt roads around Rayburn, but that's a for another day.

Simmons1

01-27-2008, 09:54 PM

Thank for planning a great weekend!!

Scott and I rolled into my drive way 30 minutes quicker than on the way down Friday night. We drove home with no stops. Dinner on the way home consisted of left over Trailmix and water.

The mighty KLR now has a leaking left fork seal. We tied mine down real tight so that the handle bars we clear each other. Looks like I have some maintenance to do, after I get the mud off.

I also had some issues with my camera. Many times, it took a long time for my lense to pop out, those photos, including some of the incriminating ones are real blurry. I guess it is time for a new camera, and this one is only a year old.

Since I rode sweep all weekend, how about some action photos being posted!

Staging. See me leaned over while balancing on one foot.... :doh:
(third helmet from the right, white fender/number plate/knuckle covers)
http://squeaky.smugmug.com/photos/248120225-M.jpg

Hmm. I see a bike, but where's the rider? :scratch:
http://squeaky.smugmug.com/photos/248120365-M.jpg

Oh, there he is! Went for a swim it seems. :lol2:
http://squeaky.smugmug.com/photos/248120503-M.jpg

Danny's bike seems to like being in the back of the truck. His wife doesn't.
http://squeaky.smugmug.com/photos/248120614-M.jpg

The folks at Harborlight catered FOR us and TO us all weekend. They made it very clear they enjoyed having the group stay there, and they're looking forward to hosting us again in the future. :clap:
http://squeaky.smugmug.com/photos/248120845-M.jpg

The fire was roaring all night and brought out great conversation, story telling, and joke-telling...
http://squeaky.smugmug.com/photos/248120689-M.jpg

And my trusty steed that didn't let me fall down one time, despite how fast I made her go through all the big water holes!
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa103/DFW_Warrior/East%20TX%20DS/IMG_1659.jpg

Quick-Silver

01-27-2008, 10:18 PM

This is exciting. I would loved to have been on that ride, but only if I could pick and choose the good stuff.:rofl:

I hope everyone had knobbies mounted.....mud and dry sand...yuk! I'm sorry, but the mud just does not look fun to me. I guess I'm just wimpy or scarrrrrred.:)

Glad y'all had a good time and no one got hurt. Believe it or not, I did worry about you all this weekend while we were out riding under the warm sunny Hill Country skies.;-)

Squeaky

01-27-2008, 10:23 PM

the rest of mine: http://squeaky.smugmug.com/gallery/4240672#248132592

For those of you that didn't go, live with the regret. It was an awesome ride. There isn't much in the way of scenery; once you've seen 100,000 pine trees you've pretty much seen them all. However, the roads require 100% attention becaue they can go from 60mph hard=packed loam to deep sand to mud to railroad ballast in 10 feet, and in no predicatble order.

Tha white clay mudpit was some kind of slick.

TerraXpeditions

01-27-2008, 10:58 PM

It was so great ride!
Thank you for the prep. Thank you for come & ride!
Ken

Raul deserves special recognition for making it through the first day on his V-Strom, and he is a beginner offroad!!! Way to go, Raul!

Squeaky

01-27-2008, 11:04 PM

I think Raul wins the "Most Cylinders" award! :clap:

I would never have even thought to take my Strom out there - he is much braver than I and no matter what the road ahead was like he always had a smile on his face.

Simmons1

01-27-2008, 11:09 PM

Give me sand, clay, dirt, gravel, rocks, roots ........
I hates mud.

Are you sure?

The mud was a whole lot easier to ride through than the clay or sand.

trainman

01-27-2008, 11:14 PM

Trainman just wanted to say he had a great time and thanks to everyone who helped get the bike off me in the sandpit, I though I was going to have to dig myself out.

John

Outlander

01-28-2008, 12:05 AM

I would never have even thought to take my Strom out there - he is much braver than I and no matter what the road ahead was like he always had a smile on his face.

Ignorance (not bravery) is the key to happiness.

I had a blast. Thanks for putting this together and for their patience to the guys (and gal) in my group.

By the end of the day I was pretty worn out but I was getting better at trusting the bike while fishtailing through the mud. With an experienced rider, the V-strom would do pretty well. The TKC-80 worked great.

I didnt have much time to take pictures but here are the few.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w115/houstonredrider/IMGP0820.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w115/houstonredrider/IMGP0822.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w115/houstonredrider/IMGP0823.jpg

Even good rider had misshap. That was conforting :zen:
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w115/houstonredrider/IMGP0824.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w115/houstonredrider/IMGP0825.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w115/houstonredrider/IMGP0826.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w115/houstonredrider/IMGP0828.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w115/houstonredrider/IMGP0831.jpg
I was not able to stay the second day. I am flying in few hours and I am still packing and cheking the reservation... also, I was pretty worn out after the first day

Hemibee

01-28-2008, 05:38 AM

Even good rider had misshap. That was conforting :zen:
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w115/houstonredrider/IMGP0824.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w115/houstonredrider/IMGP0825.jpg

That stuff looks slicker than greased owl snot.

Dang I've got to get my bike street legal or by street legal dirt bike. That looked like too much fun y'all were having out there.

I would like to have a video of the thoughts that went thru a certain riders mind when he became separated from his bike on the bridge... :eek2:

DANNYROTH

01-28-2008, 06:22 AM

Thought before hitting the water: "I hope the bike doesn't fall on top of me."

Thought while sitting upright on the bottom and still being completely under water: "I hope I'm not hurt so bad that I can't get up to air, because I will drown right here!"

Thought, maybe expressed out loud, after breaking the surface: "Thank you God! Wow, the bike is still running!"

ekms377

01-28-2008, 07:21 AM

Looks like a fun and tiring trip....I bet goggles and visors fogged up.....:lol2:
I'd like the route map.
Kudos to the VStrom rider for hanging out with the DS'ers.

DFW_Warrior

01-28-2008, 07:53 AM

Raul, kicked some major butt on his Strom. When I was riding behind him, I couldn't even count how many times that heavy bike tried to buck him off. But he just wouldn't let it win, even in the clay pit that had so many riders eating mud. He just went slow and steady and never let it get the best of him.

I vote Raul for the gutsiest rider of the day.

BMWbabe

01-28-2008, 08:24 AM

that's the one that I liked watching too.....go raul :rider: :rider: :rider:

NUTT

01-28-2008, 08:26 AM

Looking at the "successful attempt" video, my fender bag was still attached. It looks like I lost it on the road somewhere after that.

I'm uploading pictures as I get free time this morning, I'll post 'em up later.

Greasemonkey

01-28-2008, 08:27 AM

Wow you guys are fast.I can honestly say that was as good a ride as I have ever participated in.And all TWT folks,cool.Good food,bad jokes,miles of goo
and no real problems[almost].

Curios,although the rt's were good I see people pointed in the wrong direction pretty much????:eek2:

Chadley should have some pretty good video coming up AND beleive he is the
ONLY ONE to ride the entire rt. except for the flooded section.He may have done that as noone else was there.Way to go bud!!!

We skipped a couple dirt roads at the end due to"uh"the dreaded xr rear fender dilemma[see my post about the brace John].Otherwise about 300mi
of fun.

Great pict's guys,tells it all!!!!!

NUTT

01-28-2008, 08:59 AM

This was my first DS ride and my first experience with anything more than a hard pack dirt road.

Thanks to you guys who put this together. This was my first dual sport ride and the first time on a dirt bike in over 20+ years. I really enjoyed it, glad I missed the really sloppy stuff the first day, gave me a chance to get the feel again without eating any mud. Had some really close calls but kept it on the rubber all the way. Nice meeting everyone, I look forward to the next one.

Thanks to Duke, Danny, Squeek and everyone who got this event put together - it's a lot of work and appreciated. What a great ride!

David

driscollms

01-28-2008, 10:32 AM

I haven't read all the posts. Looks like you guys had an adventure. Any burned out cluches or overheating to report?

Mark

Squeaky

01-28-2008, 11:23 AM

Just thinking ahead for next time - we should have a power washer at the ready for the return-n-load up stage. A quick once-over on each one would save us all a lot of time and heartache I'm sure. (I've been told the clay stains everything)

DFW_Warrior

01-28-2008, 11:29 AM

Just thinking ahead for next time - we should have a power washer at the ready for the return-n-load up stage. A quick once-over on each one would save us all a lot of time and heartache I'm sure. (I've been told the clay stains everything)

Usually I just swing by a pressure wash place on the way home that way I don't have a bunch of junk in my driveway. And besides, I'd hate to mess up the parking lot of the post office after they were kind enough to let us park there.

thumper

01-28-2008, 11:30 AM

(I've been told the clay stains everything)

The "real" Simple Green works great! You just hafta get all the mud off and apply to wet plastic and soak then scrub.:zen: It also works in the washing machine.:trust:

Calgary-Yogi

01-28-2008, 11:35 AM

Just thinking ahead for next time - we should have a power washer at the ready for the return-n-load up stage. A quick once-over on each one would save us all a lot of time and heartache I'm sure. (I've been told the clay stains everything)

That is just sooooooo sweat of you to offer to clean our bikes next time :clap: :clap:

FYI - I spent 20 minutes of power washing last night and will still have to strip down the bike to get all the clay/mud off it.

Squeaky

01-28-2008, 11:40 AM

Usually I just swing by a pressure wash place on the way home that way I don't have a bunch of junk in my driveway.

On my trailer I do too, but in David's truck there was other stuff loaded back there and no space to get around to all parts of the bikes.

And besides, I'd hate to mess up the parking lot of the post office after they were kind enough to let us park there.

Um, it's dirt. It gets tracked in and out of their driveway/parking lot all the time I'm sure. It's not like I said we should change our oil without drain pans. :shrug:

That is just sooooooo sweet of you to offer to clean our bikes next time :clap: :clap:

Well, it's not like I had to do any bike loading :mrgreen:

thumper

01-28-2008, 11:40 AM

I haven't read all the posts. Looks like you guys had an adventure. Any burned out cluches or overheating to report?

Mark

Luckily there was only a couple of hundred yards of the real nasty stuff spread out over 300 miles. Plus the cold weather helped:lol2:

Squeaky

01-28-2008, 11:42 AM

Luckily there was only a couple of hundred yards of the real nasty stuff spread out over 300 miles.

Yup. The patches were challenging and the stretches in between were enough to make up time on the route.

This was my first attempt at coordinating a group ride. This truly was a cooperative effort to put this on for all of us. I want to thank Greasemonkey for finding some of the snottiest roads I have ever ridden, DANNYROTH for the initial concept of Moscow to Geneva & Thumper for helping identify the Haborlight Marina.

The other thing that really impressed me about the group that showed up, NO ONE pressured anyone else to speed up / slow down, criticized others riding abilities and how others would go out of their way to get a stalled bike going again. Texas DR, went out of his way to ride out of the sand pit and to a near by town to purchase a set of Jumper Cables to help get another rider moving again. This is after he and Pazzduc stayed behind to get a separate rider rolling again. I stayed behind to, but to be honest I was just dead weight as the mechanical prowess that these two displayed are top notch. Both of them gave up almost 3 hours of their time to help another rider out and never complained once, and had a smile on their face the entire time. This is just what I witnessed, I am certain that others have similar stories.

I started the ride in lead position of a group, and gave everyone a good show of what not to do when going to fast for my skill level in rutted deep mud (5.4 miles into the ride). I fell, and when I got the bike picked up and got going again, not one bike went screaming past in aggravation of a couple minute delay.

What stands out most was the diverseness of all that came. We had blue collar, white collar, those that have hung up their collar and those that are still getting their education to determine which collar they will wear. Although I did not take an age poll, I was told that one of the group was in his 70’s and I believe the youngest had just turned 20. This is why I like participating in TWT events. We are all drawn together, from different walks of life, and geography, to enjoy two wheels together.

I have been very hesitant to participate or even help coordinate group rides in the past, and I hope that this was not and exception to the norm, but all of you made this ride a very special one for me, Thank You!

Squeaky

01-28-2008, 12:20 PM

{snip}...The other thing that really impressed me about the group that showed up, NO ONE pressured anyone else to speed up / slow down, criticized others riding abilities...{snip}

Does a non-verbal cue count? I got sideways in mud and paused to regain my composure and had Bill run into me and bump my back tire! :lol2:

Note to others - let Bill get ahead of you! ;-)

Simmons1

01-28-2008, 12:57 PM

Does a non-verbal cue count? I got sideways in mud and paused to regain my composure and had Bill run into me and bump my back tire! :lol2:

He was just nudging you along:trust:

DFW_Warrior

01-28-2008, 12:59 PM

Um, it's dirt. It gets tracked in and out of their driveway/parking lot all the time I'm sure. It's not like I said we should change our oil without drain pans. :shrug:

And that makes it okay how? I always try to leave stuff better or cleaner than how I found it. That way I'm welcome back again. But maybe that's just me.

And besides, we all know how you change oil, drain pans just get in the way of you getting it all over the floor.:rofl:

DFW_Warrior

01-28-2008, 01:00 PM

Does a non-verbal cue count? I got sideways in mud and paused to regain my composure and had Bill run into me and bump my back tire! :lol2:

Note to others - let Bill get ahead of you! ;-)

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: You crossed into my line and I was mid-wheelie. Honestly, I stopped as fast as I could.:rider:

Squeaky

01-28-2008, 01:10 PM

You crossed into my line and I was mid-wheelie.

How do I cross your line if I wasn't done making MY line? :huh:

Whatever happened to allowing the rider ahead of you to get ALL the way through a hazard/rough/difficult spot before you enter it? :shame:

DFW_Warrior

01-28-2008, 01:15 PM

Whatever happened to allowing the rider ahead of you to get ALL the way through a hazard/rough/difficult spot before you enter it? :shame:

Good write up from begining[500 post ago] to end Duke and thankyou
for all your work.Know some don't get out on this kind of ride as it's to far or whatever.My time was to help some experience it not to far from home
[especialy mine].Think all worked out well,think thats a mutual feeling from the

I can't see vid at work but I'm guessing that's Duke's sandpit vid? I didn't come within fifteen or twenty feet of the rider in front of me, and I paused and stopped all along the way to give them space.

Ah, but you just blasted past people to make a scene. I get it. I'll hang in the back next time and let y'all figure out where you're going a few miles AFTER the wrong turn off.

Oh wait, you already did that too... :yawn:

Calgary-Yogi

01-28-2008, 01:43 PM

Best photo so far!:lol2
I remember this section very well. The road is fast then you crest the hill in to this snot!:eek2:

Oh I hear you LOUD and CLEAR on that one I was leading the group at that point :eek2: :eek2:
Here is the outcome of my pucker moment and to be honest I am well happy with the outcome. You know they talk about the luck of the Irish, I'm thinking to myself that us Scotties are pretty darn lucky too
Please note this was on the outbound leg so I was travelling in the right direction right up until I headed straight for the ditch

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w115/houstonredrider/IMGP0824.jpg

FYI - Ken's nature bike stand was just behind Bill's left elbow.

DFW_Warrior

01-28-2008, 02:00 PM

I'll hang in the back next time and let y'all figure out where you're going a few miles AFTER the wrong turn off.

Oh wait, you already did that too... :yawn:

I'm getting blamed for a wrong turn when I never even led??? :giveup:

Scott Hardy

01-28-2008, 02:15 PM

Great ride!
I just can't describe the fun of still chasin my old man (Chris) down dirt roads some thirty years after!
Awesome bunch of people and a well organized ride. Thanks to all who helped make it happen!
"Keep On Keepin' On!"

anaconda

01-28-2008, 02:51 PM

:clap:
Great writeups and photos everyone!! Will have to wait for the vids once I get home.
Looks like everyone had a great time and enjoyed themselves. I'm in awe of everyone's riding skills (can't believe Raul got his Strom through that!!!) some of those roads looked quite challenging, while I can't take a little tumble on a dirt road without breaking an ankle...:doh:

Trailace

01-28-2008, 03:04 PM

Man there was a lot of paddling going on.

However I did go down in the clay section as well but there is no picture so it did not happen. :giveup:
That will tech me to lead and maybe I should try the padding thing. LOL

We had a great group and everyone but DS Jack went down once. However he was on a 250 running in the back. :lol2:

TerraXpeditions

01-28-2008, 03:09 PM

That cant be all the photos can it???

BMWbabe

01-28-2008, 03:48 PM

Hello pot.... I'm kettle...:rofl:

the saying is not "that's the kettle introducing itself to the pot" its "That's the pot calling the kettle black" as in "Hello Kettle, this is Pot...you're black"

Did she say she wasn't going down...hehe? Can't wait for tonight!

DrBlackbird

01-28-2008, 04:02 PM

Another great "TWT" ride. Signed on at the last minute, and I'm glad I did. Except for the fact that there were no rooms available. More on this later. A "BIG THANKS" goes out to Duke, for putting on an event like this,....it's not easy. Tried it once to the Hill Country with 25 bikes, too many personalities, and people with their own agenda. It's a bunch of work, as I'm sure Tourmeister can attest to. You did well my Man
.
Met some new faces, and some not so new. To show you the extent that members of TWT will go to help out fellow members.....I didn't have time to get the trailer hitch installed, so I called Squeaky to see how they were getting up there. She said she possibly knew of someone that could help, she made a call, introduced us, and come 6AM Sat, (CDC1) Carl Chapman, pulled into the station to load up my bike.....You do meet the nicest people riding "Dirty Bikes"....Even if they do ride a Suzuki.
.
Alot of people said Ooooo No it's too muddy.....I still would prefer a little mud, to choking clouds of East Texas Dust. All in all, a great time, and am looking forward to Big Bend & Terlingua.
>>>
>>>
This is just the beginning size of the camp-fire, and the amount of beer cans.....We also had a surprise visit to the campsite from "Boudreaux & Tibideaux who had us laughing all night long
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/2261/cimg0022cz3.jpg
.
The view from my front porch.....Between the temperature of 39* ,... my 3 snoring neighbors, and a cold hound-dog across the lake howling all night long,.....I didn't get too much sleep
http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/6817/cimg0035nh6.jpg
.
A couple of friends stop in for a visit and to park their rides
http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/9691/cimg0027gx0.jpg
.
Steve Courtney, pointing out that he's jinxed. His was the only bike there that a dog chose to piss on...........
http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/1642/cimg0031bg2.jpg
TWT "Social Coordinator" and now "Dual Sport" ride instructor, Squeaky, giving out some advise.
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/9770/cimg0037dy0.jpg
.
From one reservoir tank to another
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/3349/cimg0040vh7.jpg
.
Carl (CDC1) explaining the correct form to navigate east Texas "Owl Snot"
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/8569/cimg0043xu2.jpg
.
Here, Carl shows off what his wife will be cleaning out of his jacket come Monday morning.....He Zigged when he should have Zagged......Oooops
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/7095/cimg0042ot0.jpg
.
Quick,...Run for your lives, here come some more of those TWT'ers.......
http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/7564/cimg0044ci8.jpg
Notice how far off the road the spectators are? We were from one side of the road to the other just trying to get through this mess..........But boy was it fun, so much so that some turned around and did it a second time.
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/3272/cimg0047bp6.jpg
.
A Datona-200 pit crew would have had their hands full with this tire change
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/526/cimg0055fi1.jpg
.
Hello, Is this Wild-West Honda service dept?.....I need to bring my bike in, I think there's something wrong with my tires, the bike is riding real rough, like their out of balance or something.
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/8499/cimg0059yd6.jpg
.
The very last mud-hole 3/4 of a mile from the trucks......doesn't look too bad does it?..Notice the skid mark in the center
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/7305/cimg0065zu5.jpg
.
Two fun days of blasting through the East Texas back woods.....You get to the last mud-hole, almost walking distance to the truck parking lot, and what does "Murphy's " law state........."THAT YOU'RE GOING TO WIPE OUT"
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5240/cimg0063zb9.jpg

Squeaky

01-28-2008, 04:30 PM

:clap:
Loving all the pics! I'm thinking of getting a little creative and setting them to music. Anyone mind if your pics are used?

Hemibee

01-28-2008, 04:36 PM

:clap:
Loving all the pics! I'm thinking of getting a little creative and setting them to music. Anyone mid if your pics are used?

"Dueling Banjos" or maybe "I Like My Women A Little On The Trashy Side" or ...

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.

Squeaky

01-28-2008, 04:41 PM

"Dueling Banjos" or maybe "I Like My Women A Little On The Trashy Side" or ...

I was kinda thinking Brad Paisley's "Mud On The Tires" would be fitting. :mrgreen:

I tell you what we need to do is grab a sleepin' bag or two
And build us a little campfire
And then with a little luck we might just get stuck
Let's get a little mud on the tires

'Cause it's a good night
To be out there soakin' up the moonlight
Stake out a little piece of shoreline
I've got the perfect place in mind
It's in the middle of nowhere only way to get there
You got to get a little mud on the tires

Hemibee

01-28-2008, 04:47 PM

I was kinda thinking Brad Paisley's "Mud On The Tires" would be fitting. :mrgreen:

That would be a good one.

Hemibee

01-28-2008, 04:53 PM

Or there is also BR5-49's "Tangled In The Pines"

We used to be so happy we used to be so true
We used to think there wasn't anything we couldn't do
But they could see right through us we didn't seem to care
We were on a highway that ain't going anywhere
They told us we were wrong a thousand times
We rode out to the country and got tangled in the pines

We tried to take it slowly we tried to understand
That we'd be on a one way trip if things got out of hand
We lost our direction you could say we lost our touch
Now all of those petty things don't seem to matter much
I can take your blame if you take mine
We rode out to the country and got
tangled in the pines

Now we're lost forever along the roadway side
But I can't say I'm sorry that we took that foolish ride
We couldn't get along at all no we just disagreed
You drove me to the point where I just drove into the trees
I guess we should have seen the warning signs
When we drove out to the country and got tangled in the pines

EnduroRdr

01-28-2008, 05:23 PM

Since we rode Day 2 we had our truck parked back at Harbor Light. When we returned Sunday afternoon the campground folks flagged us down and gave me some stuff left behind: Since we were going to pass through Moscow on the way home we brought the stuff back. Obvouisly too late to get Squeaky back her chair(s).

1 Cell phone: already returned to owner
3 chairs: found at camp fire. (I know one belongs to Squeaky maybe 2 of them)

I have the chairs. I'm in Tomball. Email me if you lost a folding chair or 2 so we can get them back to you somehow.

To Duke & company, we had a blast! Great Job! :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
The group we rode with on sunday were all good riders and fast too! We had the little XRs wound-up on those road sections.
40 'F & High speeds = COLD FINGERS!:eek2:
Thanks for all the work you guys did putting together a fun ride, I want to ride the next one already!:rider:

Squeaky

01-28-2008, 05:31 PM

3 chairs: found at camp fire. (I know one belongs to Squeaky maybe 2 of them)

All 3. Red, blue, green.
Alejo looked for them when he was loading the Ridgeline but said someone had already scooped them up.

I'll find a time/place to get 'em. Thanks for hauling them back!

dbdolan

01-28-2008, 05:45 PM

Dang, looks like I missed a good one. :doh:

Tekisasu DR

01-28-2008, 08:57 PM

Little more photos.
My camera stop working in the 2nd day morning, so not much from the 2nd day...

Huge thanks to the organizers; Duke, Danny, Greasemonkey, Squeaky, and more who I have not mentioned, y'all did a great job on what turned out to be a special ride for us all !! THANKS. I had a terrific time with the riding, AND being around all the riders. Y'all are some really cool people. The cameraderie shared by the wide variety of riders with their equally varied machines was a great bonus to the ride. It was fun spending an action packed weekend with y'all !!

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/chadleys1/IMG_1072.jpg

I have a bunch of pictures that I am getting ready to post.
I need a bit more time on the videos. I am having to edit them down to a smaller amount of memory, and am having a small issue with the syncing of the audio to the video. They will be posted soon.
-Chadleys1

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/chadleys1/IMG_1072.jpg
the video. They will be posted soon.
-Chadleys1

Man! You already washed your bike!:lol2: My bag is still on mine...eeww!:rofl:

I can't wait to see the vids! I believe you caught me twice. The first time, I thought I was rolling up on a major get-off...only to hear y'all snickering as I blapped past from your vicarious vantage point.:lol2:

I was very impressed with the way your new 250 toy could be pushed and I'm sure the "War Pig" riders had to work a little while trying to shake you!:rofl:

Anyways, I'm off call so good nite!:yawn:

Chadley...cool stuff!

KenH

01-29-2008, 07:27 AM

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: A new best pic!!!:lol2: :lol2:

I hate to say it, but what a doof pic!!:clap: The guys look like they're thinking..." it's gonna be a long day." But alas, you showed 'em up really bad by not going down!!:lol2: :clap:

Squeeky kept the bike up the rest of the ride. She was a little slow getting started, gained confidence in her bike, and was zooming right along by the end of the ride. Good job, Squeeky!

Gilk51

01-29-2008, 07:30 AM

Here is a video of the fast pack.

Bunch o Hooligans! :lol2:

Greasemonkey

01-29-2008, 07:54 AM

Cool deal Chadley,wondered why you kept disappearing.Candid camera.

Texas Dr is kinda sneaky too.We were all on big bikes and whammo there's a yellow suzuki on our tail,and stayed there.He does it on the trails also.
If he gets a bigger bike we'll never see him!!!

TerraXpeditions

01-29-2008, 09:24 AM

Bunch o Hooligans! :lol2:

And Chadley was asking if I did the wheelie on my XRL.....:rofl:

pazzoduc

01-29-2008, 10:42 AM

This was my first attempt at coordinating a group ride.

JOB WELL DONE I SAY! Count me in on the next one.

Thanks Texas Dr for the cables. We were all tired of kicking!
Thanks EnduroRdr for the cell phone return.

And thanks to Dr Edwards for the antibiotics yesterday! I think I'm gonna live.

All in all, I think everyone had a great time. (Except "Nemo's" wife). And I'm looking forward to next year!

Willsy

01-29-2008, 10:58 AM

Fantastic ride. Thanks to everyone who put this on. It was great to meet a bunch of new faces and ride some new roads. This is a trip that I will definitely attend next time. Thanks again y'all !

And if anyone out there finds a 2 day old KTM shift lever, I'll provide my address so you can post it back :rofl: Not sure where it fell off, but I noticed as we were slowing down to get on the main highway back to the start. I guess next time I fit a new one I'll use Loctite :doh:

Thanks again, I had an absolute blast !

Tourmeister

01-29-2008, 12:23 PM

So... Danny... is there a username change in your future...? :lol2:

Cap'n Nemo
Mud Bug
Ditch Diver
Bridge Inspector

:doh: :-P

mcrider

01-29-2008, 12:49 PM

I like Ditch Diver :rofl: :lol2: :clap:

Nice job on a great ride all y'all that put in the time to make it happen. :sun: :clap:

Squeaky

01-29-2008, 12:50 PM

As some of you know, I was running a SPOT Personal Satellite Messenger (http://findmespot.com/) on the top of my tailbag. I kept it in tracking mode most of the weekend for my mother and sister to "keep and eye on me" as a test for an upcoming solo trip, but at stopping points I sent out a Check-In message for a few people (like Chuck) that wanted to see how we were progressing.

Here are the images of the check-in locations. I can't think of any that it missed, so it was a pretty good test.

Staging area in Moscow at the Post Office on Saturday morning
http://squeaky.smugmug.com/photos/248766342-M.jpg

Fuel stop just before lunch near the Sam Rayburn Dam
http://squeaky.smugmug.com/photos/248766373-M.jpg

Departing from lunch at The Stump just down the road
http://squeaky.smugmug.com/photos/248766412-M.jpg

Departure the following morning
http://squeaky.smugmug.com/photos/248766455-M.jpg

Fuel & lunch at the gas station in Etoille
http://squeaky.smugmug.com/photos/248766488-M.jpg

thumper

01-29-2008, 01:16 PM

Wow! That "SPOT" is pretty neat. I'm gonna hafta get one.:flip:

DrBlackbird

01-29-2008, 01:51 PM

Becca,....Didn't know you were hooked up to a Satellite....Great Idea
.
What did this service or hardware cost you? Was it in real time or delayed by a few minutes or seconds. Could the screen shot zoom in one more click, meaning would someone at their computer actually see the bike sitting in an open parking lot?.........Gives a new meaning to "Big Brother's Watching Us".......
.
Last Question.......Were you tempted to "Wave to Mommy n Sis"
.
.
Edit>>>>>Found all the info I just asked at the site,...Should have clicked first.....This is an interesting setup for those that really get off the beaten path and go adventure riding in not so friendly climates.........Thanks for the heads up on this.

Squeaky

01-29-2008, 01:57 PM

The SPOT images aren't live. The messenger sends back GPS coordinates which are linked onto a Google map of the area. The level of zoom is determined by Google, but those are as close as it'll get in those areas.

More info and TWT discussion on the gadget HERE (http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23423).

Scott Hardy

01-29-2008, 04:44 PM

Chadley!
You rock!
That green looks dang good against the yella!

Squeaky

01-29-2008, 04:47 PM

I hate to say it, but what a doof pic!!:clap: The guys look like they're thinking..." it's gonna be a long day." But alas, you showed 'em up really bad by not going down!!:lol2: :clap:

Come to think of it, the next time I'm going to drop it in the parking lot on purpose - gets it out of the way so I won't drop it in the muck! ;-)

DFW_Warrior

01-29-2008, 05:05 PM

Come to think of it, the next time I'm going to drop it in the parking lot on purpose - gets it out of the way so I won't drop it in the muck! ;-)

Hey it seemed to work.... That might just be the answer!:mrgreen: Some of the stuff you made it through were quite impressive. The clay pit was some good riding, AND... I got it on video too. I just need to compress it and post it up on google vid.

Tekisasu DR

01-29-2008, 07:15 PM

Chadley,

The videos are so cool! Thanks for contributing your riding time for taking the video!

Texas DR, went out of his way to ride out of the sand pit and to a near by town to purchase a set of Jumper Cables to help get another rider moving again.

Duke,

Thanks for saying that! But you can also say I just took to ride additional 10mi... ;-)

Thanks!
Ken

chadleys1

01-29-2008, 07:40 PM

This is the best picture of a KLR I have ever taken. This is one of DrBlackbird's mounts, and the most dirtworthy of them.
This was where the 5 campers set up. It was cold, but the scenery and soft level ground made up for it.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/chadleys1/IMG_1030.jpg

Duke

01-29-2008, 07:49 PM

This is the best picture of a KLR I have ever taken. This is one of DrBlackbird's mounts, and the most dirtworthy of them.

The skill that DrBlackbird displayed riding his KLR makes me think that he could have taken his Goldwing down the same roads with just a little more effort. Man he could manhandle that thing through the mud. I tried to keep up with him on Day 2 but just couldn't. I am impressed!

chadleys1

01-29-2008, 07:50 PM

Here is a picture of my bike, I won't be embarrassed to post a few of myself, since I didn't make it into very many, due to my solo-ish riding tendencies. hahaha
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/chadleys1/IMG_1022.jpg

Here is one of Mr. Ken/Texasdr, who is always fun to ride with.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/chadleys1/IMG_1063.jpg

Here is one that really shows the wide range of gnarly dualsport machines in front of a really cool Texas-style restaurant known as "The Stump."
I just noticed there are no XRR's or XRL's in this photo. Don't worry. They were, as always, well represented !!
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/chadleys1/IMG_1019.jpg

I have a feeling that I will use this one as my self portrait for 2008, in my photo-files.
I put the camera on the ground and used the timer. I was killing time while waiting to photograph the approaching riders.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/chadleys1/IMG_1050.jpg

chadleys1

01-29-2008, 08:14 PM

This is a bad picture of a good guy. It's Pazzoduc, waving after helping a wiped out dualsporter up out of the sand.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/chadleys1/IMG_1001.jpg

Here are some of the fast guys, taking a break at a turn of the century graveyard. Whoo those XR's and KTM's are fast!!
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/chadleys1/IMG_0988.jpg

...not to mention the zuki's and Yammer's.
You got to love this rig. I followed this trailrider for a good while, and it was fun and fast riding.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/chadleys1/IMG_0987.jpg

Am I wrong to have a crush on my Husqvarna ??
I really love this bike, and the East Texas landscape.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/chadleys1/IMG_1042.jpg

chadleys1

01-29-2008, 08:18 PM

The skill that DrBlackbird displayed riding his KLR makes me think that he could have taken his Goldwing down the same roads with just a little more effort. Man he could manhandle that thing through the mud. I tried to keep up with him on Day 2 but just couldn't. I am impressed!

I too, was impressed with the good Dr B's KLR riding prowess... he's fast when he wants to be.

-Chadleys1

Duke

01-29-2008, 08:31 PM

A very eventful start to the ride for me. I did my best to give a safety briefing and warn everyone on the rutted muddy roads that we would be heading down, and just over 5 miles into the route I went down and ate a lot of humble pie.

Well we make our way to the sand pit without further incident and while we are watching one of the other groups come through, DANNYROTH’s bike decided it didn’t want to go anymore. Pazzoduc & Texas DR, and Alejo were instrumental in getting him going again.

With that done, it was Pazzoduc’s bikes turn to be difficult. That’s right, after giving up close to 2 hours of his time to warn others to stay left in the sand pit and to help get another bike rolling again, his bike wouldn’t start.

http://r1200gsa.smugmug.com/photos/248898012-M.jpg

Eventually after Texas DR went on ahead a purchased a set of jumper cables Pazzoduc was back in business. So now with all bikes repaired and running, almost 3 hours since we arrived the sand pit, we are now moving again.

I am in the lead heading down the road with Texas DR & Pazzoduc right on my rear with DANNYROTH riding sweep. We make maybe 3 miles and I no longer see 3 head lights in my mirrors. I pull to the side with Texas DR and we wait a minute or two. When Pazzoduc or DANNYROTH do not show up we turn around. I am now heading back from which we came with Texas DR right behind me. We pass a couple of muddy & sandy sections and still no DANNYROTH or Pazzoduc. I am starting to get a little nervous. Ultimately I round a corner with a bridge right in front of me and I see Pazzoduc’s KTM on the side of the bridge, and Alejo’s chase truck on the bridge…. But I don’t immediately see DANNYROTH or his Bike.

I hop of my bike and sprint up the bridge and I see Pazzoduc securing DANNYROTH’s bike at the extreme edge of the bridge. My heart was clearly in my stomach at this point. I ask where is Danny? Pazzoduc pointed to where Alejo is helping Danny climb out of the brush and fence line. WHAT HAPPENED?

Time stood still as I a put all of this together. It appears that DANNYROTH got his front and rear tires on either side of the runners on this wooden bridge and high sided. When he went down the bike landed on top of his leg on top of the bridge, while the rest of his body, Head/Shoulders/Trunk, were dangling over the side of the bridge. That is a mental picture that will stick with you for some time.

http://r1200gsa.smugmug.com/photos/248101788-M.jpg

Anyway, DANNYROTH is now dangling upside down over the side of the bridge and eventually falls into the water head first, approximate 12 to 15 feet below. I can only imagine what was going through his mind during all of this.

Alejo is the first to arrive on the scene, which had to be an OMG moment. Think about it. He is driving the chase truck and rounds a corner leading up to the bridge and all he sees is a bike on its side at the edge of the bridge and no rider to be seen.

http://squeaky.smugmug.com/photos/248120365-M.jpg

I am sure he will post up with his take on the whole deal.

So, after Pazzoduc explains to me what went down and I go to meet Alejo & DANNYROTH coming out of the brush, trying to get Danny to tell me that he is alright or otherwise. To my surprise he is all smiles and in an “aw..shucks” demeanor tells us he is really sorry for falling off the bridge. You got to be kidding me right. Stand still and let me check you over (going into Paramedic/Nurse mode now)…

To my amazement Danny appears to be no worse for wear. He has a couple of strawberries on his legs from the bike and bridge but other wise he is checking out ok.

http://r1200gsa.smugmug.com/photos/248102164-M.jpg

http://r1200gsa.smugmug.com/photos/248102454-M.jpg

http://r1200gsa.smugmug.com/photos/248102313-M.jpg

Alejo helps him get out of his wet clothes and into dry clothes, while Pazzoduc, Texas Dr and I load up his bike in the back of the truck.

Eventually we get our composure and head back on the roads. I can only imagine what the phone conversation was like between Danny and his wife while enroute to the lunch spot.

I had a very good laugh at Danny’s expense, you see, one of the other riders had a gear shift get bent earlier this day, and DFW_Warrior was the elected rep to ask Danny for permission to snag his off his bike. Well DFW_Warrior, very politely and in a most elegant manor asked if it was alright. DANNYROTH was contemplating his response, and prior to him saying yes or no, his wife answered for him. “You can take that and any other piece off that ***** bike”.

DANNYROTH. You scared the living daylights out of all of us, but I am so grateful we are able to talk about it now together and even laugh together.

Post up and tell us your side of the story.

chadleys1

01-29-2008, 09:27 PM

And Chadley was asking if I did the wheelie on my XRL.....:rofl:

I didn't know that was you !!
I asked a couple of different people if "terra expeditions" was riding with us on the first day, as I wanted to meet you in person. The people I asked said that you didn't show up. I guess I should have asked again on the second day.

I am going to be doing some riding in Louisiana soon. I'll PM you to see if you feel like riding some trails.

-Chadley

Trailace

01-29-2008, 10:59 PM

Here is a picture of my bike, I won't be embarrassed to post a few of myself, since I didn't make it into very many, due to my solo-ish riding tendencies. hahaha
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/chadleys1/IMG_1022.jpg

Hey Chadleys it was nice meeting and riding with ya. Let me know what your plans are for the CD ride.

Sure do like you ride.:trust:

Squeaky

01-29-2008, 11:06 PM

Here is a picture of my bike, I won't be embarrassed to post a few of myself, since I didn't make it into very many, due to my solo-ish riding tendencies.

Not sure if that's because you prefer going solo, other riders can't keep up, they think you're a hooligan, or if you have less-than-desireable bathing habits. :lol2:

I tend to have the same problem, but I can't keep up with ya on the dirt so there's no chance of me helping there. If you decide to go for some solid tarmac I'll see what I can do. ;-)

Tourmeister

01-29-2008, 11:15 PM

Geez, Danny... While my bike may have stayed upside down :flip: I don't recall ME ever having done so... :lol2: Not to imply I was never upside down... but only until I landed :doh: How's the leg? I would imagine that was pretty hard on the knee :ponder:

DANNYROTH

01-30-2008, 01:38 AM

Scott, Your posts immediately after get-offs have always been full of praise of proper gear. I will repeat my thoughts about gear, as I expressed in the first post, ATGATT made a difference in my current condition. Offroad boots, shin and knee guards, and MX pants, protected the bottom half pretty well. My knee joints are OK. The left boot protected my left foot that was under the bike and holding me from falling all the way off. Having a water cushion to fall into helped. I'm not sure how parts of my shirt stayed relatively dry, since I was completely submerged for a little bit. That Joe Rocket Ballistic jacket was holding some air bubbles in it.

I'm still trying to analyze the chain of events, and can't quite put together the abrasions and bruises with what I assume happenned. Here is how I think the crash unfolded:

1. Coming into the double curve leading onto the bridge very hot, 50+. Practically standing on the rear brake, some pressure on the front brake, No lock-up while on dirt or asphalt surface coming onto the bridge.

2. Seeing a large rock partially into the line of travel I had set for my access to the bridge. I remember thinking, "Who put that there, it wasn't there last time we came here?" The distraction made me take my eye off my target and miss a critical course adjustment, then, I change my line. All this time braking hard.

3. Come up onto the wooden bridge, front tire on the runners, rear tire in between the runners, braking action locks up both tires on slick wooden surface. Front end turned right to get both tires into the trough between the runners. Rear tire comes up onto left runner as front tire drops down into trough and I drop over into a low side. Have slowed down quite a bit, but I see things at about 1000 MPH. Bike is laying on my right leg and I can feel the abrasion on my right calf. My leg is moving up to where the ankle is about even with the seat.

4. Rear tire drops into the little trough between the runner and the 6X6 timber secured on the outer edge of the bridge. The D606 gets traction on both sides and bites in. The bike flops over onto a high side in a very violent and sudden move that ejects most of me over the side of the bridge. My left foot is somewhere under the bike, my inner left thigh is over the top of the outer timber, and the rest of me is hanging down over the edge. I feel a burning on my ankle and think, "If I pull out, the bike will come down on top of me." I could not see, or did not want to see what was above me, but knew that I could not stay there. I wriggled my foot loose and fell downward.

5. The water comes up fast. I tuck my head in and curl up as I go down. I didn't even feel the surface of the water through the helmet and the heavy JR jacket. My helmet hits the bottom and I roll on through a summersault and wind up sitting upright on the bottom. I am completely under water and my visor and helmet are full. Having quite a bit of diving experience I knew better than to try and breathe!

6. The only time in all this incident that a very real fear sweeps over me. "What if I'm hurt so bad that I can't get up to where I can breathe?" I don't wait for an assessment of damage. My arms go pointing foreward with palms outward, fingers cupped, and grab a couple of handfulls of water and pull back, then repeate several times until I swim up into a very high kneeling position and my head pops out of the water. I don't think I will ever forget the sight of the water level going down my visor and, as soon as it falls to around my chin, I take a breathe. It's a bit deep and the pain in my left ribcage is quite sharp. Don't do that anymore. I thank God, quite possibly out loud. I hear the KAW thumping away above me and look up. I have moved downstream about 10 to 15 feet. My glasses are pushed down around my chin and my visor is muddy, but I can see that the back wheel is turning. I had forgotten to put it in neutral when I parked it!

7. I've got to get out of the water and go shut the bike off. I pull up the front of my helmet and put my glasses in place. Kind of hard to see through the debris, but I can see that the bank is quite brushy. I see what appears to be a path down into the water and head over towards it. This is a little slide that a variety of animals in East Texas use to get into and out of the water, including Nutria, Otter, and, Alligator. I didn't think about it as I tried walking up the bank and immediately had to go down to "four wheel drive" to get traction. As I am coming up out of the water I notice that my gauntlet gloves, my boots, my helmet, and my jacket are full of water, and a real heavy. I stand up on the bank and take off the gloves and the helmet, boy that felt better. About that time the KLR dies, I guess the float doesn't work that good when it's laying on its side. I start looking for a way to get up to the road surface level another 10 or so feet up. The brush is thick on this side, so I go up a little path under the bridge to the other side to check it out.

8. Alejo drives up onto the bridge about that time. I hear him shouting, but can't recall what he is saying. I am focused on the mission of getting topside.

The embankment is thick with brambles and "Wait-a-minute" vines, small green and purple fibrous vines with small, green, razor-sharp thorns. They will make you say that when you are following someone and they happen to snag you. I decide to put my helmet and gloves back on and just plow through them to the top. I am about to close the front of my helmet down and I hear Alejo calling me. I look up, he is taking a picture and appologizing, "I have to do this." I give him a left handed thumbs up because the right thumb is hurting and not so OK.

We have heard the rest of the story from several folks,

Damage assessment: Bruises and abrasions right outer calf and outer R knee; Deep bruising front of L thigh, inner L thigh, and abrassion marks on inside of L knee; Hyperextended R thumb; Bruising from center line of abdomen to under left arm; Two ribs very sore on old fracture site under left arm.

Bike damage: After cursory look-over, only see some damage to left fairing (it was already secured with nylon rope from previous incidents, and bent shift lever.

Ego damage: Haven't found the ego yet to check it out.

When most pain experienced: During the ride from The Stump to Lufkin.

Duke

01-30-2008, 06:25 AM

When most pain experienced: During the ride from The Stump to Lufkin.

Some how I feel that this is still an understatement. :zen:

I can only imagine what I would be going through if I had to call my significant other to come get me, and oh by the way, I dove off a bridge today....:giveup:

Greasemonkey

01-30-2008, 08:13 AM

Really glad your ok Danny.I think it was your rt that started this whole ride.
A real bummer that you missed most of it.A real trooper to make some of the stops ,after the "swim".

??? What is the cd ride,trailace.

CeeBee

01-30-2008, 11:36 AM

You got to love this rig. I followed this trailrider for a good while, and it was fun and fast riding.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/chadleys1/IMG_0987.jpg

It was great riding with you too Chadleys1 and I really enjoyed your pics and vids.

THANK YOU !!! to all, Especially the riders who took the time to put it together. I know it was a group effort but dixonduke, DANNYROTH, Greasemonkey and Thumper Went above and beyond! A special thanks to you. :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: The routes I downloaded were perfect! Had to do a few U-turns, but just anticipated a couple of turns early.
Every body around me have been sick and I started feeling like I lost all my energy Friday at work. :yawn: Woke up Sat. morning dragging and it took longer to hit the road than anticipated - That was me in the pickup rolling in during the riders meeting. Unloaded, geared up and hit the road to find out I was in Greasemonkeys group. :rider: Had a great ride and was feeling pretty good - might have been adrenalin. Was feeling good enough to eat Jambalaya :eat: and have a few beers - Well, although I completely enjoyed myself, I think that was a mistake.
Next morning, I took off solo, and put down some tracks. Images of blowing inside my helmet weren't very pretty. :puke: As I picked up speed the adrenalin took over and I started to feel better. Did the whole route back plus some looking for gas and had a great time. Missed the comradery but getting to my truck at 1:30 saved me. Went to work Mon. - went home sick, Went to work Tues. - went home sick. Today they said why don't you just try afternoons!
Had such a great time, even not feeling well, that I would do it again in a minute. Thanks again

Jbay

01-30-2008, 12:11 PM

So... Danny... is there a username change in your future...? :lol2:

Cap'n Nemo
Mud Bug
Ditch Diver
Bridge Inspector

:doh: :-P

glad your OK Mr Danny, found you a new avatar

http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/images/q/qs-dive.gif

:mrgreen:

magus

01-30-2008, 12:15 PM

As some of you know, I was running a SPOT Personal Satellite Messenger (http://findmespot.com/) on the top of my tailbag. I kept it in tracking mode most of the weekend for my mother and sister to "keep and eye on me" as a test for an upcoming solo trip, but at stopping points I sent out a Check-In message for a few people (like Chuck) that wanted to see how we were progressing.

Here are the images of the check-in locations. I can't think of any that it missed, so it was a pretty good test.

That is really cool Squeek and definitely has my "geek" up;-)

The downside is that most of the time riding I want to be lost and out of touch and cell phone coverage is getting to good as it is. I'm amazed how well (simply) it works. It's $160 for the unit and either $100 or $150/year for the service depending on what you choose to have tracked.

magus

01-30-2008, 12:16 PM

Am I wrong to have a crush on my Husqvarna ??
I really love this bike, and the East Texas landscape.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/chadleys1/IMG_1042.jpg

Let your love show Brother!!!:lol2: :lol2: :lol2:

Duke

01-30-2008, 02:45 PM

Every body around me have been sick and I started feeling like I lost all my energy Friday at work. :yawn: Woke up Sat. morning dragging and it took longer to hit the road than anticipated - That was me in the pickup rolling in during the riders meeting. Unloaded, geared up and hit the road to find out I was in Greasemonkeys group. :rider: Had a great ride and was feeling pretty good - might have been adrenalin. Was feeling good enough to eat Jambalaya :eat: and have a few beers - Well, although I completely enjoyed myself, I think that was a mistake.
Next morning, I took off solo, and put down some tracks. Images of blowing inside my helmet weren't very pretty. :puke: As I picked up speed the adrenalin took over and I started to feel better. Did the whole route back plus some looking for gas and had a great time. Missed the comradery but getting to my truck at 1:30 saved me. Went to work Mon. - went home sick, Went to work Tues. - went home sick. Today they said why don't you just try afternoons!
Had such a great time, even not feeling well, that I would do it again in a minute. Thanks again

This is almost my story exactly.

Sunday about lunch time I was feeling pretty exhausted, but chalked it up to keeping the pace I was riding and fighting the front end of a bike that lost one if its fork seals.

Well Monday comes around and I head to work, and about 1pm I know I am deffinately getting sick... my fever finally came in. So I went home and dosed up on OTC meds and slept. Tuesday, I am just misserable, down right, drug through a bar fight misserable. Every joint aches and my fever will not go away. So I head to a Doctors office near by, and am awarded with a diagnosis of the Flu and early Pnuemonia.:giveup:

mcrider

01-30-2008, 02:47 PM

Danny glad you are simi-OK. That being said I had to LOL :rofl: as I read your description of the get off. :lol2: I had to stop ½ way thru to make :popcorn: I felt like I was there watching in slow motion, very good write up. :mrgreen:

Roy88ale

01-30-2008, 06:42 PM

Hey Danny, Mark Johnson and I really enjoyed the outing and are glad you avoided serious injury in your mishap. Was sorry to hear you crashed and ruined your ride. We tried our best to keep up with the old man crowd led by Trailace. Did a little end swapping and ground kissing myself but to no harm or damage. Had hoped to visit more with you. Let me say the work you and the others put in on this event really made it a good one and the moisture made it a real challenge. Quite a different situation from our New Years' Big Bend adventure of dry, dusty, rocky, and sandy challenges. No dust this time but we brought back plenty of red clay samples. Looking forward to future rides with the crowd of swell folks. Thanx for all your effort.

Simmons1

01-30-2008, 07:55 PM

That is really cool Squeek and definitely has my "geek" up;-)

The downside is that most of the time riding I want to be lost and out of touch and cell phone coverage is getting to good as it is. I'm amazed how well (simply) it works. It's $160 for the unit and either $100 or $150/year for the service depending on what you choose to have tracked.

I offered to fix your phone for you out on the trail!:mrgreen:

The nice thing about SPOT is that you can you send all the "I'm Ok" messages you want while never having your phone turned on. Friends and family will know you are ok, but they won't be able to bother you unless you allow them to.

KenH

01-30-2008, 08:17 PM

I have not been feeling well the past couple days, either. Weak, feverish, runny nose. I guess we all caught CeeBee's bug. I was already feeling puny from a lack of sleep due to work-related stress, spent three hours Wednesday night wrestling with the front tire, finally giving up and making a trip to Bill's garage to use his machine on Thursday. That put me home late Thursday night finishing up T-dub's prep. I was up early Friday to take care of some business, then a very cold 30-mile ride in the rain to Bill's to load up. Nobody can say much of Saturday's ride was easy; I started with a ride through a cold, misty rain from Livingstone to Moscow, and the route required constant attention and rider input to deal with the roads that were 80% alternating blotches of loose sand and mud. Sunday was easier, but colder. I guess when CeeBee's bug got into me it found an easy victim, because Monday I was achy, sinuses plugged and nose running at the same time. I started 24-hour Claritan-D (the good stuff you have to sign for) Monday night, finally had 6 good hours of sleep Tuesday night after a double shot of Nyquil (again, the stuff you have to sign for), made it through today with the crapola Dayquil, and just took another double shot of high-octane Nyquil. So, if I fall asleep at the computer, you'll kno

voila.... for those who want to know... after doing a search.... I found the info to do it.... you must use {flash}{/flash} but replace the {} {} with [] [] and thennnn you just copy the http: part which for my vid was http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-6073093362518444287&hl

so {flash}http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-6073093362518444287&hl{/flash} with the replaced brackets

Anyone notice anyhing between my run through the mudhole and Mr. Dukes? :trust:

sparkyphotog

01-30-2008, 10:29 PM

Anyone notice anyhing between my run through the mudhole and Mr. Dukes? :trust:

Ummm, I think maybe he thought he was still on his GS. :rofl:

Y'all looked like you had a great time. I'd love to do a ride like this some day when I get a more dirt-oriented bike.

chadleys1

02-01-2008, 06:41 AM

Anyone notice anyhing between my run through the mudhole and Mr. Dukes? :trust:

The sun came out.

Roy88ale

02-01-2008, 08:00 AM

Hmmm, I don't recall going over that bridge. Either we went a different route, were going so fast it was a blur, or more likely my Half-heimer kicked in and I dont remember it. Glad ole Danny is tough and lucky!

--------------------
Luv my KLR650

EnduroRdr

02-01-2008, 10:16 AM

Thanks to all of the posters for sharing your pictures and videos. You guys sure take some good photos. chadleys1, you went the extra mile to get this ride recorded (literally too, as you disappeared over the horizon often only to pop up in the next interesting corner!:trust: ). I especially like the ground shot close up of your Husky and the shot of CeeBee standing next to the WR with the southern pines in the background. These are quality worthy of bike magazine covers.:clap:

DANNYROTH

02-01-2008, 07:41 PM

I have been informed that shortly after I hit the water, a group of student seismologists at Texas A&M got a reading on their seismic recorders. After gathering their readings and triangulating data from various geophones, they said it appeared that a cow had fallen from a height of 5 meters into a body of water in north Tyler county.

They were quite accurate. It was actually a KAW rider, but the weight, location, and the distance of travel was pretty near dead on.

Jbay

02-01-2008, 09:55 PM

:cool2: :chug: :bow:

ker splash

if you would have wrestled an alligator I would be impressed

Squeaky

02-01-2008, 09:55 PM

If he would have wrestled an alligator, I'd have bought him lunch. :lol2:

DANNYROTH

02-01-2008, 10:07 PM

The 'gator was hibernating. Only something real stupid would be in that water.

DANNYROTH

02-01-2008, 10:13 PM

:cool2: :chug: :bow:

ker splash

if you would have wrestled an alligator I would be impressed

I would just as soon wrestle an alligator as to deal with the running verbal skirmishes that have taken place around me since last Saturday.:doh: :giveup:

Danny AKA Capt. Nemo

jhansen

02-01-2008, 10:16 PM

I have to ask...how is your better half doing since her foot was removed from your.....you know. ;-)

Duke

02-01-2008, 10:21 PM

I have to ask...how is your better half doing since her foot was removed from your.....you know. ;-)

:lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:

DANNYROTH

02-01-2008, 10:23 PM

While scouting the route and thinking about who would be riding, Duke and I were concerned that some may get bored and would feel like there wasn't enough challenge. Either those predictions did not come true or we have some very polite participants. I will say, though, the roads were not as wet during the scouting rides!

Did y'all ride the Nine-Mile Road?

Squeaky

02-01-2008, 10:26 PM

Nope, I was SKEEEEEEERED of 9-mile road!
There were definitely challenging spots for me, but getting through the weekend has boosted my DS confidence tenfold!

DANNYROTH

02-01-2008, 10:28 PM

I have to ask...how is your better half doing since her foot was removed from your.....you know. ;-)

I have been keeping my..uh . . .you know . . pretty well covered due to the elevated risk condition (RED) When she finds out that all this moaning, shallow breathing, wincing whenever I get in or out of a vehicle, etc. is part of the pro-active defense mechanism against physical assault, I'm in deep trouble.

Capt. Nemo

Duke

02-01-2008, 10:29 PM

Did y'all ride the Nine-Mile Road?

No one to my knowledge.

I spoke to Chad (My Gamewarden Friend), about it and he told me about it being flooded.

Still doable 9 mile to the scenic bluff (where you and I waited for Chad). But the "East Hammilton section of 9 mile was allegedly under water. I made the decision that I was not going to go and tried to make everyone understand about the woops and sink holes and how deep some of them are. And if the water is as bad as Chad said it was, you would have no idea on where the holes were. Seemed like a sure fire way for serious injury.

DANNYROTH

02-01-2008, 10:37 PM

Good decision to exclude that section in those conditions.

Wife and youngest child have gone to Kansas City, MO to check on a graduate school program. I am home alone, with four dogs, the Kaw and the Pig. Anybody wanna ride?

Well, there's a matter of this little promise I made to stay off my bikes. If we ride, you have to loan me a bike and you can use one of mine.

Capt. Nemo ("I arose from the depths to ride again")

Squeaky

02-01-2008, 10:41 PM

Well, there's a matter of this little promise I made to stay off my bikes. If we ride, you have to loan me a bike and you can use one of mine.

Ooh, that's SOOOOOOO tempting! :trust:

(too bad this weekend is booked!) :doh:

jhansen

02-01-2008, 11:23 PM

Capt. Nemo ("I arose from the depths to ride again")

I like Admiral Harriman Nelson better.

"Voyage to the bottom of the creek" :trust:

DS-Jack

02-02-2008, 12:31 AM

So.... when can we do this type of ride again? (Sans the Nemo thing, of course).

Tourmeister

02-02-2008, 01:39 AM

So.... when can we do this type of ride again? (Sans the Nemo thing, of course).

Well... there is nothing stopping you from organizing one :-P That is generally the way something like this happens. Someone gets a bug, posts up, and off we go!

Wastrel

02-02-2008, 05:34 AM

I want to take the new bike out this weekend. My brother is on his way down from Tyler at this minute to help me break in the new toy (he just got an 08 klr650 he needs to break in as well). If anyone familiar with this route would like to ride it again tomorrow (sunday) please let me know. I am not familiar with any of the dirt roads around here and could use a guide!!!! It would sure beat me slogging around all day trying to find all the right roads, and its a good excuse to get out and get dirty!!!! hehe.

DANNYROTH

02-02-2008, 10:16 AM

Parts of this route would be a good "breaking in" excursion, if you feel pretty confident in your skills and your equipment's ability. If you or your brother have a Garmin GPS with current software, the route can be downloaded off some of the "Upcoming Rides" posts. There is a printable hard copy map that is available there, also.

I would not recommend setting out to do the whole thing. That would be a Marathon day! I would set sights on doing one piece at a time (20-30 miles) over several days. The stock tires on the '08 KLR may be a bit tame (street oriented) for conditions like we saw on the 26th.

The section between Moscow and Chester would be nice. There is no DEEP sand, but there is a mix of different consistencies of dirt/mud and some sand to challenge you. If you like DEEP sand, Take the little piece east of Chester, where the route turns south off FM 1475 and ride it to Colmesneil. Beware of the bridge about 3 miles east of the deep sand, it has been known to sneak up on unwary riders.

The return route (day 2) west of Geneva down to Etoile has some very pretty sections which make for fun elevation changes and beautiful scenery. Spots of tricky clay covered stretches can make for fun if you like the really nasty stuff.

DO NOT ride Nine-Mile Road without someone guiding you that has experience riding there!

The vast majority of the roads on the route are really quite tame when they are not saturated.

chadleys1

02-02-2008, 03:02 PM

Thanks a lot for the nice comments.

chadleys1

02-02-2008, 08:38 PM

Here are a couple of different maps showing the tracks from my GPS, and the readings off of my GPS, at the end of the 2nd day. I didn't take the pic until I got home, so the altitude will be that of my house.
OK, now it is time for me to start focusing in on the next ride !!:rider:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/chadleys1/m2gtraxmap2.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/chadleys1/IMG_1070.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/chadleys1/m2g08jpeg1.jpg

Tourmeister

02-04-2008, 12:31 PM

Okay, it seems like there is another ride in the works. I have moved the related posts here:

If you don't occasionally go over the edge, you are taking up too much space. Nobody else rode in the ditch, much less out of the ditch.

maxrates

02-12-2008, 09:32 PM

Was there a V-Strom on this ride.?? I think I saw a pic of one. Did he make it ?

:clap:

Hoop

02-12-2008, 09:59 PM

there was a guy on a DL650, I think he only rode the Saturday route. He said he didn't go down, but I think he dragged the bags a little bit. I was impressed.

magus

02-12-2008, 10:46 PM

Was there a V-Strom on this ride.?? I think I saw a pic of one. Did he make it ?

:clap:

Yea, it was heroic, or something;-) - he did a great job on Saturday but decided not to push through on Sunday. I think he might have had it over on a couple of the muddy/sandy sections. That was a lot of work!

Simmons1

02-12-2008, 11:04 PM

there was a guy on a DL650, I think he only rode the Saturday route. He said he didn't go down, but I think he dragged the bags a little bit. I was impressed.

We rode with him Saturday. It didn't look like he was having any fun at all in the mud sections.

Greasemonkey

02-13-2008, 08:06 AM

Hey DFW,your new avatar is cool,reminds me off this!!!!!
Had to get the water out so it would start:eek2:

DFW_Warrior

02-13-2008, 08:44 AM

Hey DFW,your new avatar is cool,reminds me off this!!!!!
Had to get the water out so it would start:eek2:

Yep... I've got a similar one except there was a WR being held up. Fun times indeed.

Outlander

02-13-2008, 04:26 PM

Yea, it was heroic, or something;-) - he did a great job on Saturday but decided not to push through on Sunday. I think he might have had it over on a couple of the muddy/sandy sections. That was a lot of work!

I would not call it heroic. This guy was heroic, could barely reach the ground and was flying through Africa:
http://www.ffmoto.org/_RESOURCES/actualites/gaston_rahier.jpg

I did have fun. The muddy strech on that picture was not a blast though. Alejo (the designated rescue truck driver) and Ken gave me a few good tips there.

Keep in mind that this was the very first time I did any offroading. Next time will be less struggle.

Thank you again everybody for your patience, I hope I didn't slow you down too much. Overall, I think I gave a good show.

Greasemonkey

02-13-2008, 04:48 PM

Beleive you have everyones respect.Don't know if it gets much harder than that:thumb:

DANNYROTH

02-13-2008, 04:52 PM

Raul did better on the bridges than one KLR rider I know! :doh:

Squeaky

02-13-2008, 04:57 PM

Beleive you have everyones respect.Don't know if it gets much harder than that:thumb:

I never would have even signed up for this ride if all I had was the Strom. There's no way I could have muscled it through that much muck.

DFW_Warrior

02-14-2008, 07:50 AM

I never would have even signed up for this ride if all I had was the Strom. There's no way I could have muscled it through that much muck.

Same here. And I don't have any idea how Raul made it through the clay pit without dropping it. It had riders on far more dirt worthy machines tasting the dirt.

DANNYROTH

04-06-2008, 09:06 PM

Well, well, well! A tocayo wrote the book I was doing the research for. Here's a shot of the cover: